History 13th May- Engine to Ship



A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music,…
Today’s episode of this series, we explore three significant events from the history of May 13th. From the first four-engine aircraft built and flown to the inaugural sitting of Rajya Sabha, and the discovery of an unidentified shipwreck off the northern coast of Haiti.
Today is a big day for the state of Karnataka. The election results will be declared today. During the campaign, we have often heard the term ‘Double Engine Sarkar’ which has been used by various politicians. The efficiency of which always attracts debate. But what is surely not debatable is, not ‘double’ but four-engine aircraft which was flown on this day for the first time. My first story from the history of 13th May.
The Birth of Four-Engine Aircraft
History of 13th May 13, the year 1913. It was this day when the first four-engine aircraft was built and flown by Igor Sikorsky in Russia. The aircraft was called the Russky Vityaz (Russian Knight) and had a wingspan of 88 feet.
The Russky Vityaz was a remarkable achievement at the time, as it was the largest aircraft ever built and had a range of 500 miles. It was powered by four 100-horsepower engines and could carry up to 16 passengers.
The success of the Russky Vityaz marked a major milestone in the history of aviation, as it demonstrated the feasibility of building and flying large, multi-engine aircraft. Sikorsky went on to build several other notable aircraft throughout his career, including the first successful helicopter in 1939.
Today, four-engine aircraft are commonly used for long-haul flights and are a key component of modern air travel. Sikorsky’s pioneering work in the early days of aviation helped pave the way for the development of these advanced aircraft.
With this, I fly to the year 1952 from the history of 13th May. My second story.
The Inaugural Sitting of Rajya Sabha
History of 13th May takes us to the year 1952 when the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Parliament of India, held its first sitting. The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States and is one of the two houses of the Indian Parliament, the other being the Lok Sabha or the House of the People.
The Rajya Sabha consists of members who are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The Rajya Sabha has a total of 245 members, with 233 members representing the States and Union Territories of India, and 12 members nominated by the President of India for their contributions to literature, science, art, and social service.
The Rajya Sabha plays an important role in the Indian political system as it serves as a forum for deliberations and debates on issues of national and international importance. It also has the power to initiate and pass bills and to approve or reject bills passed by the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha also has the power to remove the Vice President of India and other high-ranking officials through the process of impeachment.
The first sitting of the Rajya Sabha on 13th May 1952 marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian democracy and the parliamentary system. It set the stage for the upper house of the Indian Parliament to become a key institution in shaping the political and social landscape of the country.
After the sabha story, we come to the Ship story. My 3rd and final story from the history of 13th May.
The Mystery Ship
On the 13th of May 2014, a discovery was made that has left the world scratching its head. Marine archaeologist Barry Clifford stumbled upon an unidentified shipwreck off the northern coast of Haiti, and its origins remain a mystery to this day.
The shipwreck has been the subject of intense speculation and investigation, with many experts working tirelessly to uncover its secrets. Some have suggested that the ship may be linked to a famous pirate of the Caribbean, while others believe it could be the remains of a lost treasure ship.
Despite numerous attempts to identify the vessel, its true identity and history remain shrouded in mystery. But one thing is for certain – the discovery of this shipwreck has captured the imaginations of people all over the world, and the search for answers continues.
As we mark the anniversary of this incredible discovery, we are reminded of the many mysteries that still exist in the world, waiting to be uncovered.
That’s all for today. Have a wonderful weekend.
What's Your Reaction?

A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music, cinema and travel Somashis has evolved over time . Being an enthusiastic reader he has recently started making occasional contribution to write-ups.